Production & Packing Operator

Drake International; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake International in Lansdowne, South Island, is seeking a reliable Production & Packing Operator to join its busy food manufacturing site. You will work across manufacturing, processing, packing and palletising to ensure products are made safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

Key responsibilities include setting up and operating lines, weighing ingredients, performing quality checks, monitoring equipment and maintaining GMP compliance.

Qualifications

• NCEA Level 1 or equivalent is essential.
• Experience in production, packing, food manufacturing or machine operating preferred.
• Forklift license advantageous.
• Good computer skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Safety-conscious, reliable and willing to learn.
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25kg.
• Basic mechanical, electrical or automation knowledge is a bonus.
• Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production and packing lines.
• Prepare and weigh ingredients according to recipes.
• Complete quality checks, sampling and production records.
• Monitor equipment, minimise downtime and reduce waste.
• Follow GMP, food safety, QA and company procedures.
• Keep equipment and work areas clean and safe.
• Support production, packing, mixing and palletising as required.
• Operate a forklift/fork hoist if licensed.
• Work with the team to meet production targets and support continuous improvement.
• Report any hazards, incidents or equipment issues promptly.

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Good computer skills

Safety-conscious

Reliable

Willing to learn

Forklift licence

Education

NCEA Level 1 or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Drake International – Lansdowne, South Island

9d ago , from Drake International New Zealand

Our client is a well-established food manufacturing business seeking a reliable and motivated Production & Packing Operator to join their team. This is a hands-on role and you'll work across multiple departments such as manufacturing, processing, packing and palletising, helping ensure products are made safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and operate production and packing lines.
• Prepare and weigh ingredients according to recipes.
• Complete quality checks, sampling and production records.
• Monitor equipment, minimise downtime and reduce waste.
• Follow GMP, food safety, QA and company procedures.
• Keep equipment and work areas clean and safe.
• Support production, packing, mixing and palletising as required.
• Operate a forklift/fork hoist if licensed.
• Work with the team to meet production targets and support continuous improvement.
• Report any hazards, incidents or equipment issues promptly.

About You

• NCEA Level 1 or equivalent - essential.
• Previous production, packing, food manufacturing or machine operating experience preferred.
• Forklift/fork hoist licence advantageous.
• Good computer skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Safety-conscious, reliable and willing to learn.
• Comfortable working in a busy environment, standing for extended periods and lifting up to 25kg.
• Basic mechanical, electrical or automation knowledge is a bonus.

If you're hands-on, reliable and enjoy variety, this is a great opportunity to build your skills in a busy food manufacturing environment.

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand. We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next steps.